Question: In one day, I had three incidents where cars did not yield right of way when they had a flashing left turn arrow. I have observed several other incidents involving other drivers as well. It seems of late people seem to think the flashing arrow gives them the right of way. Answer: A flashing yellow light or ar...

Question: The other day I came across a railroad crossing sign with the word "EXEMPT" placed on it. What is that all about? Answer: An X-shaped sign identifies a railroad crossing. If there is more than one track, a sign below the crossbuck indicates the number of tracks. Warning signs, pavement markings, gat...

Question: Are trailer hitch load extenders legal? Occasionally I haul some lumber that sticks out beyond my tailgate and would like to know if I can use this. Answer: Yes you can. Note that when the load upon any vehicle extends to the rear four feet or more beyond the bed or body of such vehicle there are some require...

Question: What is a safe routine when backing up using the mirrors in conjunction with the vehicle's backup camera? Answer: Backing up is not allowed on freeways or expressways, except for emergency vehicles on duty. Backing up on public roads can result in a charge of reckless or careless driving. If you must back out...

Question: I know there is a lot of discussion on distracted driving. I have a question: how does the law apply to amateur radio devices? For example, trained storm spotters sometimes use hand-held and vehicle mobile radios during a weather emergency. Answer: Devices such as amateur radio, two-way radio and citizens ban...

Question: I have a new driver in the house. We were having some discussion on where a person needs to stop when coming to a stop sign and other situations. Can you please write about that? Thanks! Answer: Congratulations on the new driver. Here is what a person needs to know when it comes to stopping your vehicle. Stop...

Question: My vehicle was recently involved with a crash with another vehicle. I had a car seat inside, but no child was present at the time of the crash. I am wondering if the car seat would still need to be replaced. My auto insurance company didn't want to replace it. Is there some state statute on this? Answer: I di...

Question: I notice a lot of people walking and running along the highway. The thing that concerns me is that they are moving in the same direction of traffic with their back to the potential hazard. Can you talk about pedestrian safety and what people should do when on the highway? Answer: Minnesota state law says that...

Question: I've read your last couple of "Ask A Trooper" articles and with all this talk about driver's license suspensions and revocation, can you talk about people needing or getting a work permit for driving? Answer: Minnesota does have what is called a "limited license." Under some circumstances,...

Question: In your last article you wrote about suspended drivers licenses. I know a person who had theirs revoked. Can you explain how this happens? Answer: Your driver's license may be revoked if you: Refuse to take a test to determine whether you are under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, or if you...

Question: I have a new driver. Can you give some advice on what a person should do if their windshield wipers quit or their car hood comes open while driving? Answer: If your windshield wipers suddenly fail in heavy rain or snow, slow down and activate your hazard warning lights. Do not brake suddenly if other vehicles...

Question: I have seen numerous times where a bicyclist will not stop at a stop sign, if they are sharing the road with automobiles. I have seen a couple of close incidents where the bicyclist is almost hit as well. Are bicyclists under the same rules if they are sharing the road with automobiles? Answer: There was a st...

Question: I'm wondering about a light that seems to only be on at night on the traffic lights. It's a small purple or blueish light that's near the traffic lights. I've tried to figure out what its use is or if it's a camera. I've asked other people what it means and I've never met anyone who knows what it is. Thank yo...

Question: Do you have any advice on what a person should do if they are driving along in the dark and their headlights go out? Answer: If your headlights suddenly go out, try using your parking lights, hazard warning lights or turn signals-one of them may work and give you enough light to guide you off the road. If you...

Question: I see the sign boards along the highway with different messages posted. Do they use these for Amber Alerts? I know I get the alert on my phone and was just curious. Answer: Message and lane-use signs on some freeways warn drivers of traffic crashes, stalled vehicles, or other traffic conditions ahead. Message...

With the holidays upon us I wanted to share a message about distracted driving. Here is some information we recently shared on our Department of Public Safety blog. "It was supposed to be a routine trip for 20-year-old Megan Severson. On Oct. 17, 2019, Severson was driving from Preston in southeastern Minnesota to...

Question: I know you've written about regulatory and warning type signs before. Can you write about some of the other signs when it comes to services and guidance? Answer: I sure can. There are several types of signs for people using the highways and roads. Here are some more examples: Historic, Cultural, and Recreatio...

Question: Hello, I am looking at getting my kids an e-scooter for Christmas. I was just curious before making the purchase, what are the laws and rules for these things? Answer: Motorized foot scooters (also termed "electric scooters" or "e-scooters") have seen a marked increase in use recently, pri...

Question: Winter is here. Can you talk about tire safety and how a person can tell if their tires are still good? Answer: Winter season is a good time to remind motorists about the importance of installing and maintaining good tires. Tires must be able to carry your vehicle's weight and grip the surface of the road pro...

Question: Can you talk about people needing to check their blind spots? I know most newer vehicles are equipped with side view mirror warning signals but I think it's important for motorists to check the hard to see areas. Answer: Technology is great and the blind spot warnings/monitors are helpful but one should never...